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Dog Encyclopedia — 223 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular dog breeds with traits, temperament, and care guides.

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Showing 56 of 223 species(124)

Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher

Beginner

A small German companion with a charming monkey-like face. Fearless, alert and devoted.

BeginnerSmallCompanion
American Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel

Beginner

Spaniel with abundant coat, famously featured in 'Lady and the Tramp.' Gentle, cheerful, and great with kids.

Beginner-friendlyMediumGentle
Australian Terrier

Australian Terrier

Beginner

A working terrier with a harsh coat and rugged charm. A loyal, even-tempered companion.

BeginnerSmallTerrier
Basset Hound

Basset Hound

Beginner

Scent hound with long droopy ears and short legs. Laid-back personality with excellent sense of smell.

Medium breedScent houndLaid-back
Beagle

Beagle

Beginner

Famous as Snoopy's breed. Keen-nosed hound with endless curiosity. Cheerful and beloved family dog.

Beginner-friendlyMediumSocial
Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

Beginner

Cheerful small dog with white curly coat. Low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Social and joyful personality.

Beginner-friendlySmallHypoallergenic
Bolognese

Bolognese

Beginner

White small breed from Bologna, Italy. Fluffy coat with calm and affectionate personality.

Toy breedCompanion dogCalm
Border Terrier

Border Terrier

Beginner

A modest, brave and tireless little working terrier. An easy, popular family companion.

BeginnerSmallTerrier
Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier

Beginner

The 'American Gentleman' with a tuxedo-like coat pattern. Cheerful, friendly, and great for city living.

Beginner-friendlySmallFriendly
Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier

Beginner

Small terrier famous as Toto in The Wizard of Oz. Sturdy build with curious, active personality.

Small breedTerrierActive
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Beginner

Gentle spaniel with large eyes and silky ears. Extremely affectionate and gets along with everyone.

Beginner-friendlySmallGentle
Cesky Terrier

Cesky Terrier

Beginner

A Czech hunting terrier created by crossing the Sealyham and Scottish Terriers. Non-aggressive, cheerful and easy to train.

BeginnerSmallTerrier
Chihuahua

Chihuahua

Beginner

One of the world's smallest breeds, bold and fiercely devoted to their owner.

Beginner-friendlyToyLong-lived
Chihuahua (Long Coat)

Chihuahua (Long Coat)

Beginner

Considered the world's smallest purebred, a companion dog from Mexico. Graced with elegant fringes on the ears and tail; alert and remarkably courageous.

BeginnerToyLong coat
Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)

Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)

Beginner

Considered the world's smallest purebred, a companion dog from Mexico. The sleek smooth coat is easy to care for; alert and remarkably courageous.

BeginnerToySmooth coat
Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear

Beginner

A companion dog from Madagascar with a white cotton-like coat. Cheerful and friendly with people and dogs alike.

BeginnerSmallCompanion
Dachshund

Dachshund

Beginner

Distinctive long-bodied, short-legged hunting dog. Curious, playful, and available in three sizes.

Beginner-friendlySmallDistinctive
English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel

Beginner

Sporting dog with long drop ears and gentle eyes. Cheerful, friendly, and playful with a calm side.

Beginner-friendlyMediumCheerful
Finnish Lapponian Dog

Finnish Lapponian Dog

Beginner

Finland's reindeer herding dog of the Sami people. Calm, friendly and hugely popular as a family companion.

BeginnerMediumHerding dog
French Bulldog

French Bulldog

Beginner

Compact, affectionate breed with a charming appearance, well-suited for apartment living.

Beginner-friendlySmall-MediumApartment-friendly
German Spitz

German Spitz

Beginner

Central Europe's oldest breed, descended from Stone Age dogs. Devoted and easy to train, an ideal family companion and watchdog.

BeginnerSmallSpitz
Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

Beginner

Friendly, reliable large breed beloved as a family dog and widely used as a service or rescue dog.

Beginner-friendlyLargeFamily dog
Havanese

Havanese

Beginner

National dog of Cuba. Silky long coat and bright, sociable personality make it an excellent companion.

Small breedCompanion dogSociable
Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin

Beginner

An ancient Japanese companion dog. Elegant coat and charming expression, with a calm and noble temperament.

Toy breedJapanese breedCompanion dog

Dog FAQ

How much do dogs cost?
Prices vary by breed. From breeders directly, Toy Poodles typically run 200,000-450,000 yen, Chihuahuas 150,000-350,000 yen, Shiba Inu 120,000-250,000 yen, and large breeds 200,000-500,000 yen, varying with pedigree, coat, and the parents' track record.
What are the benefits of buying from a breeder?
The biggest advantage is being able to see the parent dogs and rearing environment, and to ask directly about temperament, health, and socialization. Under Japan's Animal Welfare Act, sellers must show the actual animal at their premises and provide in-person written explanation of care and date of birth before handover.
At what age can I bring home a puppy?
Under Japan's Animal Welfare Act, breeders cannot sell or hand over puppies until they are 56 days (8 weeks) old. For the six native Japanese breeds (Shiba, Akita, Kishu, Kai, Hokkaido, Shikoku) sold directly by specialist breeders, the threshold is 49 days (7 weeks).
How long do dogs live?
Generally, small breeds live 12-16 years, medium breeds 10-14 years, large breeds 10-13 years, and giant breeds 8-10 years. Proper diet, exercise, and regular checkups help extend their healthy lifespan.
What do I need to prepare before getting a dog?
Basics include a pen or crate, toileting supplies, food and bowls, a collar and leash, and grooming items. After bringing the dog home, promptly arrange a vet health check and vaccination plan, plus municipal registration and the required rabies vaccination.